Florida business owners strive to keep their stores clean and presentable for customers and employees alike. However, slippery surfaces can pose safety concerns if passersby are not warned of the floors’ conditions. A freshly waxed floor led to serious injuries for an employee of an Albertson’s store in Texas after the man slipped and fell.
The man was working at an Albertson’s store in Longview, Texas, in December 2012 as a scanning coordinator. He slipped on fresh wax as he was walking from the back of the store toward the entrance. He fell, causing serious injuries to his body, including his right arm. The man claims there were no signs or sectioned-off areas informing anyone of the potentially hazardous conditions.
On Sept. 3, the man filed a premises liability lawsuit in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division against Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, the company responsible for waxing the floor. He is claiming negligence on behalf of the company, as well as failure to warn others of dangerous situations, maintain the work area and properly oversee and train employees. He is seeking damages for physical pain and impairment, medical bills, mental anguish, lost earnings and court costs.
The man is within his legal rights to file a claim to compensate him for his damages. Slip and fall incidents can often be serious. Bruises, broken bones and head injuries can occur as a result of a fall. These injuries may require hospital stays, surgeries and rehabilitation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. They may also require a victim to miss work, which results in a loss of income.
The man, however, is in a tough situation because he is suing his employer. Although retaliation against an employee by an employer is illegal, it still happens. Albertson’s could find a way around it and end up firing the man for bringing a lawsuit against the store. Therefore, others in this situation would be wise to seek the advice of a legal professional.
Source:
The Southeast Texas Record, “Slip-and-fall incident at Albertson’s blamed on freshly waxed floor” Michelle Keahey, Sep. 06, 2013
